Supporting older adults to reduce their risk of falling

The older our loved ones get, the greater their risk of falling. So it makes sense to reduce that risk by being pro-active and creating a support system that will help them to stay healthy, active, and independent – and live stronger for longer.

Advice for families and whānau

Just because people get older, it doesn’t mean they feel older.

Older adults:

• don’t want to be a burden to their families
• don’t like being told what to do and want to be involved in decisions about their health and wellbeing
• often don’t like to use walking aids, as it can make them feel frail and old.

If you want to support an older adult – and you can see that they need help – talk to them and involve them in decisions and solutions. There are many practical ways you can help too.

Encourage them to talk to their doctor

Older adults usually value the advice of their doctor. Encourage them to check in with their doctor regularly to talk about their risk or fear of falling.

Help them prepare for their appointment and understand what to expect. It helps if they have the right information and questions for the appointment.

Talk to your doctor about preventing a fall

Check their risk of falling

Most trips, slips, and falls happen around the home. You can check their risk of falling and help them discuss it with their doctor.

Check if you are at risk of falling

Helping them stay safe in their home

There are a few things you can do to help an older adult make their home safer to address potential slip, trip and fall hazards.

Stay safe in your home

Know key things about the older adult you’re supporting

If the older adult lives alone, make sure you know:

• where they keep their spare keys
• their friends or neighbours’ names and phone numbers
• their doctor’s name and phone number
• any health concerns or medications they currently use.

Check in with them regularly

Sometimes older adults don’t like to tell their friends and family when they’ve hurt themselves. They don’t want to be a burden, and they like to keep their health private. To make sure they’re safe, check in with them regularly.

• If you can’t get hold of them and you’re worried, let yourself in using the spare key.
• If you don’t live close by, ask a friend or neighbour to check if everything is fine.

Check and recognise the signs of a concussion

A concussion is a brain injury. You don't need to knock your head or even lose consciousness to experience a concussion. If you suspect someone you care for has concussion, contact their doctor as soon as possible.

About concussion

Prevent pressure injuries

When a person stays in one position too long, their skin and flesh can get damaged. They could be sitting or lying down, or if they’re sitting up in bed, sliding down can injure their bottom and heels. Pressure injuries are also known as bedsores, pressure sores, pressure areas, or pressure ulcers. They can develop in a matter of hours.

How to prevent pressure injuries in bed

• Change their position every two to three hours, moving between their back and sides.
• Use pillows to stop their knees and ankles touching each other, especially when lying on their side.
• Try to avoid creases in the bed linen.
• If you can’t move them by yourself, ask for help.

How to prevent pressure injuries in a wheelchair

Relieve pressure by reminding them to lean forward or side-to-side for a few minutes every half hour.

Other ways to relieve pressure injuries

• Encourage them to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. A healthy body weight will help reduce the risk of developing a pressure sore and help with the healing process if they already have sores.
• Show them how to keep their skin clean and dry.
• Ask a nurse to help with any incontinence.

Talk to their doctor. They can get them the right help and set up a care plan to prevent pressure injuries.

Helping to prevent pressure injuries

Pressure injuries

Get them a personal medical alarm

Get them a personal medical alarm and make sure they know how to use it. It’s a device they can wear or carry with them and has a button they can press to call for help in an emergency.

It sends an alert to trained operators who can talk to them and contact you, other family, friends, or emergency services. Having a personal medical alarm can give peace of mind and security if they live alone or have a medical condition that may increase their risk of falling.

Other ways you can help

There are plenty of other ways you can help an older adult take better care of themselves.

Help them stay active

Staying active helps older adults maintain strength and balance. Regular exercise is also proven to be beneficial for both physical and mental health, general wellbeing and quality of life.

Community Strength and Balance classes

The Nymbl app

Make sure they eat healthy

Eating mostly healthy foods can help older adults stay healthy and prevent falls – by enabling them to maintain strength and balance and keep their bones strong.

About nutrition